“The budget that we passed today manages to do the best we can with the state’s limited resources,” stated Link. “My goal was to make sure that education funding was not cut and that the state can continue to provide vital services to those who most need them.”

Another important aspect of the budget is that there are dollars allocated to start to pay down the backlog of state bill that have been accumulating for the past two years.

“I am glad that the Ann M. Kiley Developmental Center, located in Waukegan, will continue to remain open and be able to receive the funding they need from the state to provide care to those with developmental disabilities,” Senator Link noted. “The community needs this facility to keep loved ones close to home.”

The budget fully funds the pension payment for all five pension systems, Medicaid, and group insurance obligations for the coming fiscal year. However, it does rely on finding $2.7 billion in Medicaid savings

“This budget reins in spending and will help to pay down our debts,” Senator Link stated. “At the same time we are able to continue to fund education, the Monetary Awards Program, and the Community Care Program.”

Senate Bills 2404, 2455, and 2461 now go to the House of Representatives for the representatives’ consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) is sponsoring legislation that will ensure the rights of crime victims are protected under state law.

“I believe it is important that those who suffer a violent crime have the right to know what happens with the accused,” said Senator Terry Link. “This measure will not only provide some safeguards for crime victims, but it also includes measures to help police officers learn to better communicate with crime victims and provides them with additional ways to explain to victims their rights under this act.”

House Bill 5187 amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act and provides that any law enforcement agency must provide a crime victim with a written statement and explanation of the rights of crime victims within 48 hours of initial contact with the victim.

This legislation also provides that that when a defendant has been committed to any Department of Human Services facility, such as a mental health facility, the victim can request to be notified of any pass given to the defendant to leave the facility, as well as, being notified when the defendant is released, has escaped, or if the defendant has died.

Under current law, a statement and explanation of the rights of crime victims must be given to a crime victim at the initial contact with the criminal justice system by the appropriate authorities and must be conspicuously posted in all court facilities. There is nothing in current law stating that the victim be notified of a change in the status of the defendant.

Senate President John J. Cullerton and Sen. Terry Link accepted awards this week from the American Lung Association of Illinois for their work and advocacy of Smoke Free Illinois.

This year marks the 5 year anniversary of the laws approval.

On January 1, 2008, all indoor workplaces and public places, including bars/taverns, restaurants, private clubs and casinos became smoke-free. Smoking was also prohibited within 15 feet of all entrances and exits, windows that open and ventilation intakes.

Kathy Drea, the American Lung Association Policy Director, praised the both Senators for their work on the issue. Drea thanked Sen. Link for keeping Illinois casinos smoke free while working with the gaming industry. Sen. Link has worked the past several years to bring more revenue to Illinois by expanding gaming in the State. Drea expressed gratitude towards Sen. Link for rejecting any plan to add exemptions to the original plan passed in 2008, particularly casinos.

SPRINGFIELD, IL –State Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) wants to thank everyone who has taken the time to voice their concerns about Lakeside Towers in Waukegan. The online petition will be presented at the beginning of June to officials at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urging them to investigate the hub of violence surrounding the towers.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has participated in the petition drive, and urge those who have not yet had the opportunity to do so,” said Senator Terry Link. “Over the last decade, the management of the facility has allowed Lakeside Towers to deteriorate and unfortunately it has become a hotbed of crime in our community.”

Senator Link went on to say that aside from the crime that has occurred in and around the towers, the building itself needs to be completely refurbished or torn down. The health and safety of those living at Lakeside Towers should also be a concern to HUD.

Senator Link is continuing to urge those impacted by Lakeside Towers to sign his online petition at www.SenatorLink.com. The petition is calling for a full investigation of the management of the towers by HUD.

To sign the petition calling for a full investigation, please click here. For those who are unable to visit the website, constituents are urged to reach out to his District Office by writing him at 430 South Milwaukee Avenue Lincolnshire, IL 60069 or calling at (847) 821-1811.

“I have been overwhelmed by the responses so far, and I know this show of community outcry will bring this issue to the attention of HUD, who oversees low-income housing properties throughout the state,” said Link. “I continue to urge all of those affected by Lakeside Towers to reach out to my office or on my website if you haven’t done so and please tell your friends and neighbors to do so as well. I am working to ensure that everyone in our community has their voice heard on this issue.”